India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
